Metro bridge collapse risk

A rail bridge close to the Tyne Tunnel could be at “serious risk of collapse” without new safety measures, writes Local Democracy Reporter, Daniel Holland.

Lane closures are expected on the busy A19 at the northern side of the tunnels to allow for enhanced barriers to be installed around a Tyne and Wear Metro bridge.

Concerns have emerged over a potential threat to the Metro bridge which crosses the A19 near Howdon, North Tyneside.

A report reveals that Metro operator Nexus discovered a “serious risk of collapse” if the structure were to be hit by a large vehicle due to a “lack of protection measures”.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service understands that the issue is not related to the structural condition of the bridge itself, but the inadequacy of crash barriers in the A19 central reservation.

That has led to fears over the safety of the bridge if there was a major collision in which a vehicle of sufficient weight and speed breached the existing barrier.

According to North East mayoral authority papers, the collapse risk was reported in late 2024 following a road safety audit. 

Since then, there was an incident in January this year when the bridge was struck by a car transporter. 

Metro services in the area were suspended for around 90 minutes as a result, to allow engineers to inspect the crossing for structural damage.

Nexus now plans to install additional concrete crash barriers which meet modern standards and a “cushioning system” to protect the bridge’s central support pillars from the risk of being struck.

It is expected that the works will be carried out in early 2027 and will require lanes to be closed on the A19, one of the busiest roads in the North East, close to the tunnels’ northern entrance and exit.

The project could last for up to four weeks, though there are hopes that the work could be carried out at non-peak times to reduce congestion around the Tyne Tunnel.

Nexus infrastructure director Stuart Clarke said: “We are investing in an additional impact protection system for the A19 Metro bridge in North Tyneside as part of our Metro Asset Renewal Programme. These works will reduce the risk of a road vehicle colliding with the two supporting pillars located on the central reservation, by providing enhanced protection. 

“We have a rigorous process in place for monitoring and maintaining all assets across the Tyne and Wear Metro system, including bridges and tunnels. Safety is always our top priority.

“The Metro bridge, which spans the A19, is structurally sound. We are already seeking a contractor to carry out the work, which is scheduled to take place in early 2027.

“This includes the installation of additional crash barriers, that meet the latest more stringent requirements, and an approach cushioning system in the central reservation to protect the columns from vehicle impacts. 

“The works are not anticipated to affect the operation of Metro services. However, it will require temporary lane closures on the A19. We will share this information with the public well in advance of the works starting.”

The mayoral authority report, granting approval for Nexus to carry out the works, warns that the risk of the bridge collapsing “will continue until such time as protection measures are implemented”.

It adds: “As this concerns a live railway bridge serving the Metro, there is a continued risk to the safety of the public, and to the continuation and reliability of Metro services, until the works have been completed.”

Nexus has agreed an initial budget of £58,000 for the works, but that could increase subject to the final design of the enhanced safety measures being agreed.